Coastal New England

Welcome to New York City! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions. Once you get settled, perhaps head out and start exploring the ‘City That Never Sleeps' with its world-famous shopping and restaurants that represent nearly 100 different national cuisines.

Take a city tour of the Big Apple and see iconic sites like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, and Times Square. Then have the afternoon to explore this exciting city. Perhaps visit one of the many world-class museums, see Chinatown, go for a walk in Central Park or take in a Broadway show.

Leaving the city, drive north through Connecticut, stopping in the historic seaport village of Mystic on the way. This charming village situated on the Mystic River was a significant seaport where over 600 ships were built dating back to 1784. Have time to peruse the shops or get a bite to eat in this quintessential New England town. Then cross into Rhode Island, the smallest of the 50 United States, for a two-night stay in Middletown.

Travel to nearby Newport, known as the “sailing capital of the world.” Enjoy the Ten Mile Drive where you'll have spectacular ocean views and pass by gorgeous 19th-century mansions, seven of which are designated National Historic Landmarks. Afterwards, have free time to explore the thriving harbor and historic Old Quarter which includes the country's largest collection of colonial houses. Or take a step back in time to America's Gilded Age with an optional excursion to The Breakers, the opulent 70-room crown jewel of the Newport Mansions and summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.

See Providence, the capital of Rhode Island before heading north into Massachusetts, a state rich with history. Stop in New Bedford and visit the Whaling National Historical Park to learn about the world's preeminent whaling port during the nineteenth century. Continue on to Plymouth, the landing place of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620 and first permanent English settlement in the New World and see Plymouth Rock which symbolizes their arrival.

Today, drive to the old fishing port of Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod, now an eclectic seaside town. Browse the colorful shops and art galleries of Commercial Street and enjoy some local seafood while enjoying the beautiful ocean views. Take home a whale of a tale on an optional Whale Watching Cruise with a chance to see humpback and other varieties of whales and dolphins or stay on dry land and join the optional Sand Dune Tour where you'll drive through National Seashore Park and learn about the history and ecology of the Provincetown Dunes.

Take a city tour of Boston, the largest city in New England and a city of firsts. The first public school, first public transit system, first municipal library, first public park and more. See historic sites like the Old State House, the Freedom Trail and the Old North Church, where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride. Stop by Faneuil Hall and visit Quincy Market, perhaps trying some Boston Baked Beans or a bowl of New England Clam Chowder, then have the rest of the day at leisure to discover this city full of history, culture, sports, and good food!

Head north to Maine, stopping along the way to see iconic Nubble Lighthouse. Then on to the historic Maritime city of Portland with its famous Old Port waterfront lined with working fishing wharves and converted warehouses. Stroll the cobblestone streets filled with shops and restaurants, perhaps stopping to try an official Maine Lobster Roll. Overnight in nearby Ogunquit.

Depart this morning for Boston, with a stop at Boston Logan International Airport for those with homebound flights. Please schedule departing flights for after 12:00 p.m. The trip ends at our Boston hotel for guests with extra nights. (B)